The Awards of Excellence in Brain Injury Rehabilitation are an annual recognition program for Ontario’s ABI healthcare community, honouring the case managers, hospital social workers, healthcare providers, community associations, and rehabilitation organizations whose contributions to acquired brain injury care are exceptional. Co-presented by PIA Law and the Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA) since 2014, nominations are open to the public each year.
What the Awards Recognize
Each year, the Awards of Excellence celebrate contributions across five key areas:
- Hospital Social Worker of the Year
- Case Manager of the Year
- Health Care Provider of the Year
- Community Brain Injury Association of the Year
- Rehabilitation Company of the Year
Together, these categories reflect the full continuum of brain injury care, from acute hospital support through to long-term rehabilitation and community reintegration.
Why These Awards Matter
For professionals working in acquired brain injury, the Awards of Excellence represent more than recognition. They reflect a shared standard of excellence across the ABI community, highlighting the individuals and organizations who shape outcomes, improve access to care, and support patients and families through complex recovery journeys.
Through community-driven nominations and collaboration with OBIA, the awards identify leaders whose work has a meaningful and measurable impact across the system. The program has been recognizing ABI professionals across Ontario since 2014.
About PIA Law
The Awards of Excellence are presented by the Personal Injury Alliance (PIA Law), a group of three Ontario law firms focused exclusively on representing individuals and families affected by serious and catastrophic injury.
PIA Law works closely with healthcare providers, rehabilitation professionals, and community organizations across the province. This collaboration provides a unique perspective on the challenges patients and families face, and informs initiatives that support both recovery and long-term outcomes.
The Member Firms
PIA Law is comprised of three Ontario firms with a long-standing and active presence in the brain injury and rehabilitation community: McLeish Orlando, Oatley Vigmond, and Thomson Rogers LLP.
These firms are widely recognized within Ontario’s personal injury and rehabilitation community as the “Big Three” leaders in complex injury cases. Each firm has decades of experience working alongside hospital teams, case managers, and rehabilitation providers. All three firms hold recognized standings in Lexpert and Best Lawyers for personal injury litigation. Through this work, they have developed deep relationships across the ABI system and a strong understanding of the coordination required to support meaningful recovery.
Together, these firms contribute to initiatives that recognize excellence, support collaboration, and strengthen the network of professionals involved in brain injury care.
Connection to ABI Network
The Toronto ABI Network plays a central role in connecting individuals with acquired brain injury to the services and supports they need, while advancing collaboration across the healthcare system.
The Awards of Excellence reflect this same commitment, recognizing the professionals and organizations who contribute to stronger outcomes and a more connected system of care.
Learn More
To learn more about the Awards of Excellence, including past recipients and nomination information, visit: aoe.pialaw.ca